Compartmentalized beverage container

ABSTRACT

A nutritional system for oral hydration can include a container and two or more compartments in the container. One compartment can contain pure water and another compartment configured can contain a substance other than pure water. Each compartment has an outlet, with each outlet being configured to allow the user to consume the substance in the respective container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A hydration system includes a multicompartment container that encourages adequate water consumption.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a serious problem throughout the world. People simply do not drink enough water. Instead, many people resort to drinking beverages that are not as healthy as water. There is a need to develop a system that encourages the consumption of water or at least healthy equivalents.

Inadequate and irregular consumption of water leads to a multitude of health issues that are acute, insidious and chronic across the United States and the world. The multi-compartment beverage container can contribute to alleviating this problem. Dehydration from lack of regular drinking water is common and a universal health hazard across all ages that leads to medical tragedies.

A typical hydration system of the conventional art would be a single chamber hydration pack such as a CAMELBACK. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a single bladder 1 has a filling port 2 and a flexible hose 3 that ends in a bite valve 4. The disadvantage of this system is that can only accommodate a single liquid and no foods, and cannot be held in the hand of the user.

There is accordingly a need for nutritional systems that overcome the disadvantages of the conventional art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object, goal and purpose of this invention is to help solve the problem of inadequate and irregular consumption of water.

Providing a ready and simultaneous water drinking option along with sugar and other beverages of various types can facilitate and encourage proper hydration. A solution to the dehydration problem will promote positive and healthy habits and attitudes towards hydration. The concept is to provide a program that can be implemented and used in many locations such as theme parks, public places, restaurants, vending machines, gas stations, etc. Importantly, in every home and household, providing and motivating everyone, especially children, with valuable and health option.

The program and the multi-compartment container of the present invention can be integrated into a public service program that can make an invaluable impact in facilitating hydration in a manner that makes water readily available to people in all walks of life at virtually any time.

Equally important is the application of this objective to foods and promoting healthy choices through the simultaneous presence of healthy foods, that is foods low in fat and generally low in calories. Therefore, it is the object of this invention to present a program that will facilitate the proper and adequate hydration that people need and which will contribute to their health and well-being over a lifetime.

The invention, in part, thus pertains to a nutritional system comprising that include a container with two or more compartments in the container, including a first compartment configured to contain pure water and a second compartment configured to contain a substance other than pure water, and an outlet for each compartment, each outlet being configured to allow the user to consume the substance in the respective container.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage or food container having multiple compartments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an alternative container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing still another alternative container that includes four compartments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pliable and flexible container that includes multiple compartments.

FIG. 5 shows a hydration pack of the related art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

The present invention provides nutritional, health promotional benefits of simultaneous and ready availability of water (healthy equivalent) along with other personal choices and preferences:

-   -   Optimization of hydration; minimizing and preventing dehydration         risks.     -   Motivation and positive behavioral modification towards         healthier habits.     -   In senior populations with diminishing abilities of sensory         appreciation: smell, flavor, taste and related abilities, and         lesser preference of water over more appealing and enhanced         flavors of personal choices of beverages, the simultaneous         hydration options may be incentivizing and valuable to minimize         dehydration risks. Especially valuable in senior care centers:         nursing homes, assisted living, retirement facilities, etc.     -   Efficient services on airlines, by ready and simultaneous         availability of water plus personal choices; mitigating aircraft         aisle traffic along with more satisfactory and healthier         services of hosting and hospitality.     -   Rewarding value in optimizing calorie intake (about 50%         reduction of calories by mere presence of water as simultaneous         option) and alleviating childhood (children in general prefer         their personal choices of artificial flavors like sugary         beverages and sodas over water) and across age groups obesity         with resultant long term health values: early inculcation of         important nutritional and proper hydration habits for life time         health benefits overall.

With further reference to the drawings, the container of the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. Container 10 is a multi-compartment container that is designed to hold multiple beverages and/or food products. In particular, the multiple compartments formed in the container 10 can be used to hold multiple beverages, multiple food products, or hold one or more beverages while, at the same time, holding one or more food products.

The number of compartments in the container 10 can vary. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 includes two compartments. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 includes two compartments. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 includes four compartments.

The orientation or arrangement of the compartments in a single container can vary. For example, the compartments may be disposed in side-by-side relationship. In another example, one compartment may be disposed over another compartment. In another example, there may be side-by-side compartments and one compartment over another compartment. See FIG. 3, for example. The compartments can assume different sizes and shapes.

Container 10 having the multiple compartments can be constructed of various suitable materials. For example, the container may be constructed of plastic, aluminum or other suitable metals, or the container could be constructed of a pliable material such as fabric or vinyl that includes a pliable impervious plastic liner.

The container 10 can assume various forms. For example, the container 10 may be in the form of a bottle, can, glass, cup or in the form of a plastic bag.

The individual compartments that make up a container 10 are sealed except for appropriate access openings. That is, one compartment is isolated from the other compartments. This assures that no migration of beverages or food occurs across separating walls or partitions in the container.

Now turning specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a container indicated generally by the numeral 10. Container 10 includes a main body 12 that includes a bottom, a surrounding side wall structure and a top. In this example, the container 10 includes two side-by-side compartments 14 and 16. Each compartment is bounded by a portion of the bottom, side walls structure and top of the container. In addition, there is a center partition wall that extends vertically through the container 10, dividing the container 10 into the two compartments 14 and 16.

The top of the container 10 can assume various forms. In one form, the top is a unit structure that is detachable from the body 12 of the container. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the top includes two panels 18 and 20. Panels 18 and can be opened or removed from the body to fill the respective compartments 14 and 16. In one embodiment, the panels 18 and 20 are pivotally connected to each other about a center hinge. That enables the top panels 18 and 20 to be pivoted between an open and closed position. This can facilitate the filling of the compartments 14 and 16. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 1, the top panels 18 and includes an access opening for receiving a straw or for enabling a person to drink directly from the access openings.

Therefore, the container 10 can hold, for example, two separate beverages. In one compartment, there can be provided water or a healthy equivalent. In the other compartment, there can be a conventional soda or other beverage that does not measure up to the healthy standard that is associated with the beverage in the other compartment. In addition, one or both of the compartments 14 and 16 can be utilized to hold food products of all types. Even in this case, one food product contained in the container 10 may be more healthy than the other food product. In this case, the container includes a top structure that would enable the consumer to gain easy access to the food product contained in the compartments 14 and 16.

The container can also be equipped with a sensor and display module 22. This permits digital display of caloric, volumetric, target/goal of the hydration aspects of consumption, vitamin-mineral-supplemental monitoring, and reminders. The display module 22 can include microchips, illuminators-lights for display in the dark, for night and bedside utility, programmable software, antennas to communicate to outside devices, and other provisions to adopt to state of the art and evolving technological advances. The display module 22 can also communicate with other devices such as smart phones or to computers via the internet.

There can be more than one display module 22. A different display module can be associated with each compartment.

Turning to FIG. 2, the container 10 shown therein is similar in many respects to that shown in FIG. 1. The major difference is that the container 10 shown in FIG. 2 assumes the form of a can and, in one example, has two pop top openings similar to the type of opening found in aluminum beverage cans. The advantages, utility and use of the container 10 shown in FIG. 2 are the same as previously described above.

FIG. 3 shows a multi-compartment container indicated generally by the numeral 10. This container is similar in many respects to the container shown in the FIG. 1 embodiment. The difference mainly lies in that the exemplary container shown in FIG. 3 has four compartments, 30, 32, 34 and 36. As shown in FIG. 3, compartments 30 and 32 overlie compartments 34 and 36.

Container 10, shown in the FIG. 3 embodiment, is separable into two units. Compartments 30 and 32 form one unit while compartments 34 and 36 form a second unit. There is provided a connector 40 that connects the upper and lower units together. The connector is indicated by the numeral 40 and can assume various types. For example, the connector can include a band that is integral with one unit but designed and configured to snap onto the other unit.

The container 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a top structure. The top can be a single unit and can include two top panels 42 and 44 pivotally connected together. In any event, provisions are made to enable the top to be opened such that the upper compartments 30 and 32 can be easily filled with a beverage or food product.

The bottom compartments 34 and 36 would also include a top structure that could be similar to the top structure that is formed atop compartments 30 and 32. In any event, the bottom unit or second unit would include an openable top that would allow the lower compartments 34 and 36 to be filled with a beverage or a food product and would also include access openings for receiving a straw or otherwise permitting the user to sip or drink a beverage from the compartments 34 and 36.

FIG. 4, shows another example of a multi-compartment container for holding beverages and/or food products. The concepts underlying the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 apply equally to the container 10 shown in FIG. 4. The FIG. 4 container includes two compartments 50 and 52. One feature that distinguishes the FIG. 4 embodiments from those discussed above is that the container is non-rigid. This means that the container is pliable and flexible and when filled with two distinct beverages, for example, the container generally assumes an upright shape and configuration where the beverages themselves contribute to the shape of the container. When the container is empty, it may be collapsed for easy storage and handling.

The structure and makeup of the container 10 shown in FIG. 4 can vary. In one example, the outer layer of the container 10 can be constructed of a vinyl material, a fabric material or many other suitable pliable materials. It is important that the containers be impervious. That is, it is important that it not leak. Therefore, the container 10 and the individual compartments 50 and 52 may be lined with an impervious liner such as a plastic liner. The liner would, of course, extend around the sides and bottom of each compartment.

As noted above, the container 10 of the type shown in FIG. 4 can assume various designs. The design shown in FIG. 4 is simply exemplary. In this case, the container 10 includes a sidewall structure 58 and one or more handles that are secured to the sidewall structure and extend therefrom. The container 10 includes a top structure. As discussed above, the top structure should provide access to the individual compartments 50 and 52. The design of the top can vary. In this case, the container includes a top structure comprised of two flexible panels 54 and 56 that can be opened and closed to permit access to the compartments 50 and 52. In addition, the top panels 54 and 56 can also have relatively small access openings for receiving a straw or other means that will enable a consumer to drink or sip a liquid from the compartments. Optionally, handles 60 can be included.

The container of the present invention can be utilized in a wide range of nutritional regimes and hydration therapies.

During exercise, the general rule is that for every pound of sweat you lose, there is a pint of water you'll need to replenish. It is not unusual for a high school football player, wearing pads and running through drills, to lose 5 pounds or more of sweat during a summer practice.

Water is best for rehydration, and for most people, water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. Sources of water also include foods, some fruits and vegetables which contain a high percentage of water. Sports drinks with electrolytes, may be useful for people doing high intensity, vigorous exercise in very hot weather, though they tend to be high in added sugars and calories.

As a result, the compartments of the container can be loaded with water and different juices or fruits and vegetables. Other compartments can also contain sugary drinks or soda to incentivize the user. The container can be sampled during the exercise routine in order to maintain hydration.

The present invention can also be used in Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), which is a type of fluid replacement used as a treatment for dehydration. It involves drinking water mixed with sugar and salt, while continuing to eat. When dehydration is severe, the therapy also includes supplemental zinc. Degree of dehydration should be assessed before initiating ORT. ORT is suitable for people who are not dehydrated and those who show signs and symptoms of mild to moderate level of dehydration. People who have severe degree of dehydration should seek professional medical help immediately and receive intravenous rehydration as soon as possible to replenish fluid volume in the body.

Formulations for ORT have been approved by WHO/UNICEF. A typical formula is 2.6 grams (0.092 oz) salt (NaCl), 2.9 grams (0.10 oz) trisodium citrate dihydrate C₆H₅Na₃O₇, 2H₂O, 1.5 grams (0.053 oz) KCl, 13.5 grams (0.48 oz) anhydrous glucose C₆H₁₂O₆ per liter of fluid. Further dilution is not harmful.

The optimal fluid is plain, clean water. However, fluids such as rice water, coconut water, vegetable broth, yogurt, weak unsweetened tea, unsweetened fresh fruit juice or even nonpotable water are recommended when plain, clean water is unavailable. Water can be boiled or treated with chlorine. However, ORS is not withheld on the basis of potentially unsafe water. Rehydration takes precedence

As part of oral rehydration therapy, WHO recommends supplemental zinc (10to 20 mg daily) for ten to fourteen days, to reduce the severity and duration of the illness and make recurrent illness in the following two to three months less likely. Preparations are available as a zinc sulfate solution for adults, a modified solution for children and in tablet form.

The invention can also be used for hydration regimens for medical patients. For example the container of the present invention can be used for women undergoing cesarean section were selected and randomized to: The regimen would include early oral hydration (sips of fruit juices sweetened with honey once the women felt thirst immediately after the operation, then solid food 24 hours later, the amounts of juice or food were determined by the patient herself, i.e. she would regulate her physiological needs). This has been found to be an effective replacement for conventional intravenous hydration (2-3 L of dextrose saline/24 hours and solid food thereafter). See S. Rabbo, J Obstet Gynaecol. (Tokyo 1995) 1995 December; 21:563-7.

The present invention can be used for oral hydration and alkalinization, which has been found to be equivalent to intravenous therapy for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic kidney disease. Roy Cho et al. J. Interventional Cardiology, 23, 5 p. 460-466, Oct. 2010.

The present invention also provides nutritionally-clinically valuable incorporation into body system of the containers would be: digital display of caloric, volumetric, target/goal of hydration aspects of consumption, vitamin-mineral-supplemental monitoring, and reminders; microchips, illuminators-lights for display in the dark, night and bedside utility, programmable software and other provisions to adopt to state of the art and evolving technological advances.

Additional advantages of the invention arise from the availability and value of hydration at sport arenas, stadiums, for a major and large scale coverage option for nutritional value and avoid difficulties of congestion related to large crowds.

The main and most impotent objective of this program-project, of course, is the nutritional UTILITY: Simultaneous and ready availability of water (Healthy equivalent) along with any other personal choice of beverage (food) etc., promoting and motivating hydration and healthier life style and habits.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A nutritional system comprising: a container; two or more compartments in the container, including a first compartment configured to contain pure water and a second compartment configured to contain a nutritional substance other than pure water; and an outlet for each compartment, each outlet being configured to allow the user to consume the substance in the respective container.
 2. The nutritional system of claim 1, wherein the container is a cup configured to be held in a hand of the user.
 3. The nutritional system of claim 1, wherein each outlet is configured to receive a straw.
 4. The nutritional system of claim 1, wherein each outlet is a pop top.
 5. The nutritional system of claim 1, further comprising a third compartment and a fourth compartment, with the third and fourth compartments being located under the first and second compartments.
 6. The nutritional system of claim 5, wherein there is a connector between the first and second compartments and the underlying third and fourth compartments.
 7. The nutritional system of claim 5, wherein the first and second compartments form a first unit, and the third and fourth compartments form a second unit, and a connector can separate the first unit and the second unit.
 8. The nutritional system of claim 5, wherein the connector includes a band that is integral with one unit but designed and configured to snap onto the other unit.
 9. The nutritional system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor and display module adapted to permit digital display of caloric, volumetric, or target/goal of hydration aspects of consumption, vitamin-mineral-supplemental monitoring, and reminders.
 10. The nutritional system of claim 1, wherein the container is flexible.
 11. The nutritional system of claim 1, for oral rehydration therapy.
 12. A method for hydration, comprising: providing the container of claim 1; and having a subject in need thereof to consume at least one substance from the container.
 13. The hydration method of claim 12, further comprising holding the cup in a hand of the user.
 14. The hydration method of claim 12, wherein each outlet is configured to receive a straw.
 15. The hydration method of claim 12, wherein each outlet is a pop top.
 16. The hydration method of claim 12, the container further comprising a third compartment and a fourth compartment, with the third and fourth compartments being located under the first and second compartments.
 17. The hydration method of claim 16, wherein there is a connector between the first and second compartments and the underlying third and fourth compartments.
 18. The hydration method of claim 16, wherein the first and second compartments form a first unit, and the third and fourth compartments form a second unit, and a connector can separate the first unit and the second unit.
 19. The hydration method of claim 16, wherein the connector includes a band that is integral with one unit but designed and configured to snap onto the other unit.
 20. The hydration method of claim 16, wherein the container is flexible. 